About the Library and Archives Catalogs

University of Wisconsin-Madison Library Catalog

The entirety of the Society’s Library and Archives collectionare now cataloged together in the University of Wisconsin-Madison library catalog. Library materials include books, pamphlets, newspapers, government publications and other published sources. Archival resources include manuscript and photograph collections, state and local government records, audio recordings and other unpublished sources. Learn How to Search Our Library Collections.

Archival Finding Aids Online

Our finding aids describe unpublished primary resources held at 19 repositories throughout Wisconsin. Holdings can include a variety of materials such as correspondence, diaries, maps, government records, film, photographs, and audio recordings. Note: The Society most commonly refers to their finding aids as Registers. Search the Archival Finding Aids.

History Journal and Magazine Indexes

The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides access to a wide array of journal and magazine indexes including the most important resources used to access articles about history: America History and Life, and Historical Abstracts. Search the Journal and Magazine Indexes.

Map and Film Collections

Only a portion of the Historical Society's extensive map collection is accessible via the library catalog. Some of the collection is accessible via card catalog (located in the Archives Research Room on the 4th floor of the Society Headquarters building).

The Feature Film Database provides online title access to all feature-length films held by the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research. Documentaries, cartoons and short subjects can be accessed by title using the card catalogs, printed lists, indexes and other manual finding aids available at the Center (located in the Archives Research Room on the 4th floor of the Society Headquarters building).

Other Indexes

Other indexes and lists are produced for specialized portions of our holdings. Examples of these currently available include the:

Civil War Collections

Wisconsin Local History and Biography Articles

Wisconsin Name Index

Have Questions?

Contact our Library and Archives staff at 608-264-6535 or by email below: